Reaper of Hearts

Chapter Four

"Great, now that we have introduced our two reapers from the Grim-Love initiative, we should head on out to R-and-D." Eros clapped his hands together, summarily dismissing the throng of recruits.

A few senior cupids filed in to head up the group, but Cassidy was still caught in Thanatos' grip.

Once the room emptied, Eros stomped toward them. Cassidy felt her pulse jump, a slick need uncurling low in her belly.

"What the hell was that, Death?!" Eros hissed. He was gorgeous, even when he was angry. His green eyes glittered, high color in his cheeks as a muscle worked in his sharp jaw. He stared pointedly at Thanatos' hand on her arm "Staking a claim on the new girl?"

"Well..." Thanatos began softly. "Since Cassidy here was part of the reaper team before being assigned to cupid duties, I was merely introducing her as part of the merger initiative as well."

"So, you have no claim over this kitten?"

Cassidy wished she could think straight. Thanatos' grip on her arm helped keep her grounded, but her knees were weak and her breath came in raspy pants. She managed a strangled groan.

Both Thanatos and Eros turned their attention to her properly.

"s**t, you're overwhelming her!" Thanatos wrapped his arms around her protectively, turning her away from Eros. She could finally draw a deep breath. "Dammit, Eros. You know some humans can't handle your particular brand of lust until they have the proper protections in place."

"She's dead, Thanatos. It shouldn't be having quite this level of effect on her anyway. She's a reaper for f**k's sake." Eros sounded petulant and Cassidy sighed. "The only way I could affect her this greatly is if..." Eros trailed off, then began speaking rapidly in a language that Cassidy didn't understand.

Thanatos swore violently, wrapping Cassidy tighter in his arms, moving her physically away from Eros. He replied in the same language. Eros spouted off something else and suddenly the overwhelming presence was gone.

Cassidy sagged against Thanatos, shuddering. "What..." She licked her lips, trying to build up some moisture in her mouth. She huffed and shook herself. "What was all that about?" She hated that she sounded so shaky.

"Well little reaper, there are some things we will need to figure out about you. Eros won't return until you get your wings. Let's head on down to meet with research and development." Thanatos answered her, squeezing her once and then releasing her. "As an aside, how well did you know your parents?"

"What do my parents have to do with anything?" She moved away from him, taking a few deep breaths to clear the fog of lust from her mind. Nothing doused lust quite like your parents.

"Nothing. Maybe everything."

"Real f*****g clear, Boss." Cassidy turned to him and crossed her arms.

"Just humor me. Tell me about your mortal life as we walk to R-and-D." Thanatos held his arm out. She took it reluctantly.

"I don't know my parents. Not my real parents anyway. I was adopted out of foster care when I was just a baby." She shrugged, old hurt aching in her chest. "Apparently my dad was a deadbeat and my mom was batshit after he left her. So she got institutionalized and I got adopted. My adopted parents were awesome people."

"I'm glad to hear it. So, you don't know anything about your father?"

"Nope, they couldn't find the fucker so they revoked his rights. I don't even know his name. I died before I could get the records unlocked so there's no point in trying to figure it out anymore." She buried the ache in her chest. Now was not the time to unpack her abandonment issues.

They reached the elevator and Thanatos pushed a button. "It's a pity. We Olympians had to keep strict records, otherwise someone was procreating with their aunts or sisters. Ancient Greece was a mess."

"So...this...Asphodel..." She waved her hand around. "Did it exist before the Olympians inhabited it?"

"Asphodel has been around since the beginning of the universe. When the Annunaki retired from the earth, they began construction here."

"Annunaki?" Cassidy pursed her lips. "I don't think I've met them."

Thanatos laughed. "You wouldn't, little reaper. They're the old gods. Here long before we were. They're the original children of the Almighty. Only a few remain outside of Slumber."

"Slumber?"

"The metaphorical death, since we gods can't be slain by normal means. It's a deathly sleep. Most of the older generation gods, the Annunaki, the gods of Babylon and ancient Egypt, other interdimensional beings...they chose to sleep, to dream, to forget that they are relegated to the annals of history." Thanatos shrugged, and the elevator chimed.

The doors slid open to a sterile room. It was all white and silver, a relief to Cassidy's eyes. She looked around curiously, but it was just one large room. "Where are the other recruits?"

"I would imagine getting their kits." Thanatos replied as he tugged her into the room.

"So, shouldn't they be here?"

"No, little reaper. This is a special department."

"I don't understand."

"You will soon. Just take a deep breath Cassidy Archer."

"Uh...no thanks. How about you explain why we are in a 'special room'."

Thanatos didn't reply. Instead, he lunged at her, eyes black and face turning skeletal. She dodged, but he was preternaturally quick, snatching her shoulders. His grip was icy, and a tendril of dread wormed down her spine. He held her tightly, muttering something in the guttural tongue he and Eros had been conversing in.

Light flared out of him and a shockwave blew them apart. Cassidy flew across the room, hitting the wall with a deafening crack. She slid to the floor, numb.

Thanatos leaned against the opposite wall, breathing harshly. His face had returned to normal, fine-boned and gorgeous. He wore a look of such profound shock that she couldn't be angry, even though a big part of her was screaming she should be pissed.

She got to her feet, shaky and silent. He watched her with wary eyes. It was such a difference from his mild flirting and protective behavior. "What is it Thanatos?" Her voice came out a harsh whisper. "What did you do?"

"It's not what I did, little reaper." He drew himself to his full height. "Someone's been naughty and we have to figure out who."

"What are you talking about?!"

"That." He pointed behind her. She whirled around, and gasped. On the floor was her soul-body, the one she had received after being taken to Asphodel by David. But she didn't feel any different. She still felt corporeal. Dense. Not ghostly at all.

She looked down at her very naked, very golden-tanned body covered in runic tattoos. "What is this?" She touched the tattoos and they glowed.

"A binding spell, little reaper. A powerful one. One that can't be broken by death himself." He stepped toward Cassidy and she shrank away from him. "We need to get you to Hades. Now."